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NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Detroit Red Wings tried to play through rusty goaltending, delivering a furious third period that saw them cut their deficit to one goal time and again.

It wasn't enough to overcome a rusty outing by Jimmy Howard, with the Wings falling, 6-4 Monday at Bridgestone Arena to the Nashville Predators. It was the Wings' last game before Wednesday's Winter Classic against Toronto at Michigan Stadium.

Howard had a bad night -- in front of Team USA general manager David Poile, no less -- allowing one soft goal after another. Playing from behind doesn't help skaters, but the Wings ...